****
"Ohhhh, would I!" Etny laughs as she takes Oredion's hand, and she walks with him.
The two of you depart, heading where your feet take you and without too much care to the direction. It's pleasant being in one another's company without all the stress of the last few weeks. Therapeutic even.
A few hours of casual talking brings you up the coast into a heavy grove of tall pines. They hug the cliffs over the sea, reaching out over the surging water hundreds of feet below. The spray from the swells crash up to kiss their reaching needles. It's a wondrously powerful sight, the sound and smell stirring your soul.
It looks a fine place to hunt--the noise and salt to hide your steps and scent. The pines for cover. The foliage grows thick in certain areas, vines and moss draping the trees like veils. Perhaps you can both net something good... big. Something for the festival.
Etny draws her bow, notching one of the thunder and lightning arrows to the bowstring. Now that she has had the arrows imbued so, she must take care when she hunts--the imbument has made the act of hunting much trickier. She will have too make her shots really count.
Scouting ahead, she makes her way into the grove quietly, scouring fire any sign of life. She gestures, beckoning for Oredion to follow.
Oredion follows suit staying quite as they hunt. His thoughts weigh heavy on his mind as they go. He dosent know how to feel about recent events, nor does he know if they were said truthfully under their conditions that night. Hes happy, but something inside him keeps grinding away making him think everything hes built with the people here is slowly going away.
(Rolled a 20 perception with disadvantage to find any sign of game in the area)
Etny turns and smiles at Oredion, happy to have the dwarf around. She can't help but see that there is somehow a struggle within her dear friend. He always seems to have some sort of inert struggle that tears at his soul. Etny can't help herself. Hiding her bow and notched arrow in one hand she reaches down and gives Oredion's hand a knowing squeeze, letting him know that no matter what she'd always be there for him. She looks at him, taking him in, knowing that she is safe with this amazing, torn, wrath-filled, yet kind dwarf.
"All-Mother be with you, Oredion-elenn. Be at peace, my friend," she whispers to him.
Oredion looks to Etny and feels a brief moment of peace. He tries to push his thoughts away for the time being and just enjoy now. He drops his head a bit to the side and looks towards the ground and whispers.
"Thank you Et... I'm fine. Let us take a moment to enjoy these waters later. A good wash might do my scars a bit of good."
With that said Oredion moves forwards a bit of life to his step now.
Etny, seeing the life in Oredion's step, smiles once more. She then turns to the task at hand, resting a finger to her lips to indicate she and he remain silent.
She continues to creep forward, her steps measured, practiced, and quiet. She looks this way and that, shooting for any sign of game.
You both notice a path made through the brush by an animal. There are bent and broken branches at various intervals that Etny spots, and Oredion kneels to look at the footprints in the damp soil.
They are three toed--claws-- and the pattern of movement looks like something akin to a serpent or a lizard. There's a little bit of a drag mark down the middle where a low hanging torso would be. Some branches are slightly burnt. Up ahead there's a distinct smell of burning hair.
Oredion pulls Etny close and whispers in her ear.
"I'll go around the right and you take left. Let's see what this is before we attack it. If either of us gives a yell the other will rush from their side."
With that said Oredion nods to Etny and slowly creeps around the right side.
(Stealth 18 / Investigation 11+6)
Etny nods accordingly, quietly making her way to the left side, making sure her steps are as silent as possible. She holds her notched bow at the ready, alert and on the prowl for anything (besides Oredion, of course!) that moves, or lives. She IS the huntress!
Oredion, as you make your way around to the right, you stealthy and quietly approach the prey... wondering what it is. There is a sizzling, ripping, tearing sound.
Etny, you likewise move quietly, like a shadow. Despite his silence you can sense where Oredion likely is across the grove of trees. Your breath catches in your throat.
Peering through the trees you both spot a great serpentine monster with twelve stubby legs. It's smooth hide is white and pale, see through in places. It's eyes are pale and slightly pink.
It's coiled around a boar... Or what's left of one. You watch with horrified fascination as it grabs a bite of electrified flesh and rolls like a crocodile, ripping off a chunk to swallow.
A tongue flicks out of it's mouth. Then it's head perks up.
A sharp snap of a twig has its attention.
Etny, you freeze, realizing the sound you've made has drawn its focus.
The head turns to the sound, listening. Tongue flicking. It quickly uncoils from the haunch of the shredded meal and slithers like a centipede mixed with a snake toward the treeline. Toward you. It is about 15 feet from you, and 30 from Ore.
Oredion seeing the beast move towards Etny's direction picks up a branch laying on the ground. He swings it quickly tossing it towards the front of the trail where they came from. He quickly pulls his axe and shield off of his back and gets ready to attack if the beast does not go towards the stick.
The stick has some weight to it and sails high, crashing against some leaves and hitting the beast's tail.
It whips around and snaps viciously, looking up at the canopy. It begins circling, flicking it's tongue between its serrated teeth. Electricity crackles from its maw as its horns light up white. It's thoroughly distracted.
Oredion winds his arm back tossing his axe at the beasts side. As he does this he yells to Etny.
"Stay hidden and light the beast up with your arrows while its distracted with me!"
Oredion rushes out from under the cover of the trees with his arm outstretched calling his axe back to him. He jumps up striking down again at the beasts side.
(Attack 1: 26, 2: 19. Damage 1: 23, 2: 20)
Etny immediately, upon hearing the command from Oredion, springs into action.
(19 athletics to alight up the nearest tree.)
She leaps to the nearest trunk, and one-handed, hoists herself up, branch by branch, handhold by handhold.
The adolescent behir jolts under the impact from the axe. It turns. The monstrous pale eyes roll and land on the dwarf, a ferocious hiss preluding its attack.
A loud screech issues from it as the weapon squelches back to Ore's hand. Blood flows free. It looks taken aback when Ore closes the distance, hardly having time to react before the second hit lands. Now that you're up close, you estimate this thing is almost 12 feet in length. It's massive.
Etny, you see the ferocity that is Oredion. You are 25 feet above, looking down at the madness.
The behir twists around to grab at the dwarf chopping into its body. (24 to hit, 12 damage)
Attempting to sink its many teeth into him, it begins to coil around Ore and his axe, pinning him. Squeezing him. Pushing the claws in around his armor. (20 to hit, 30 damage and grappled...... Dc 16 to escape)
(17 roll to escape! Barely made it xd)
"OREDIONNNNNN! EFFRE DELE MAKALU HARATH!" Etny shrieks her epithet to the hulking beast grappling Oredion, and fires a thunder and lightning arrow at the creature.
(Oh, and it's knocked back 5 ft, and my second attack is a 28, with 9 damage. Make a con saving throw.)
Ore masterfully wiggles from the claws and muscle. Suddenly an arrow slices through it's neck from above. It writhes and coils about itself trying to detach the offending barb, and another suddenly skewers through its eye.
It launches back 10 feet coiling and twisting in agony. It can't seem to see or hear at the moment. It's movements grow sluggish. (14 reflex, lolol it's deafened and knocked back)
Etny leaps down a few branches, making her way down one at a time, and curses the beast in her native tongue. "Avra natha da igra, om rechlu gar hanna va thir!"
Oredion shakes himself off. His eyes burst with flames and his anger overwhelms him. He thinks to himself "Why must everything he do turn to this? All he wanted was a quite hunting trip by the sea to converse with Et, but no." He looks to the slithering beast and screams with a roar in his voice.
"You are not escaping my fury this day beast. Come let us do battle once more and see who defeats who!"
With that said Oredion swings his axe down at the beasts head as slams his shield into its side pushing himself back a bit to prepare for the beasts next attack.
(Attack 23 Damage 17)
The axe meets with the animal and embeds sharply into its head. Green fire reflects on its eyes as the life fades... The beast stills in front of Oredion.
Etny leaps from the lower branches of the tree she was in, and races to Oredion's side. She knows he will be battle raged, and filled with adrenaline, so kindly, she gives him a little bit of space. Before that, however, she gives his shoulder a knowing squeeze.
Oredion turns facing Etny blood covering a fair bit of his body. His own or the beasts... he does not know. His eyes are still full of flame, but something within him feels... sad. The flames slowly transform from a dark angry green to a small blue flame in each of his eyes. He still forces a smile showing he is ok, not to let on to Et.
"Welp that thing was... interesting. I bet it'll fetch you a decent price at the inn."
Etny, having been standing respectfully for a few moments, smiles at him, and approaches, kneeling down, and hugging the bloodied, mighty, angry, yet amazing dwarven man she calls her beloved, and holds him, not caring a single bit about the blood. "Well, Oredion-Elenn, you might have that absolutely right! It is going to be one hell of a mess to dress out and bring back to town."
She ends the embrace, and swiping her arms nonchalantly with her tunic, removes the poleaxe from her back. "I don't know that I ever could repay you for something like this," she says, running her hand along the length of the poleaxe. She gives the axe blade at the top a flick with her finger, and it sings in the dusky air. "But I sort of feel bad for not using it as much as I possibly could be. It will always be here, though, and I won't ever forget it. It seems bulkier than my old javelin, but...faster, stronger, more sturdy. I like it, Ore-elenn."
She returns the poleaxe to her back, and eyes Oredion. "Well, elenn, it's just us, and the dusk, and the sounds of the ocean..." She becomes a little shy then, not knowing how to be...romantic, and the setting isn't very romantic either, what with a dead behir nearby and all. Nevertheless, she kneels down and paws the grass a little.
"You know, Oredion-elenn, there are dwarves--antrahtu--where I come from. But they're..." she stops, wondering how she is going to say it, and struggling. Failing at trying to find a nice way to say what she wants to say, and fearing possibly offending her dwarven friend, she continues straightforwardly and honestly, saying, "...they're...well...they're kind of smaller than you by a half a head, they're ugly beyond count, and they toll in count of riches and coin than in their noble ancestry, unlike dwarves from here." She looks up at him, her violet eyes resting on him softly.
"Unlike you."
Oredion blushes a bit, but after a few moments he starts to laugh. Laugh happily... genuinely. Something he hasn't felt in a long while. He stops laughing sitting down by Etny. He wipes a tear away as he tries to catch his breath from laughing so hard. He takes her hands in his and looks into her eyes getting lost in the crimson world of their beauty.
"Et you are by far the woman of any mans dreams. Even those ugly dwarves you speak of."
Oredion laughs wincing at his soar sides. He does not know what feels worse. Laughing so hard or almost getting eaten. He chuckles at the thought.
"I... I feel I could speak with you for hours Et. You... understand the things I avoid to see. You teach me thing I have long but forgotten in memories long past. Et I'll say it once more. Sober this time... I love you"
Etny, feeling the roughness and strength of his hands on hers, and she starts to laugh as well. Her laughing is gentle and a little shy at first, but then it turns jovial, joyful, and jubilant. (Yes, I did! I did an alliteration!) Though her sides don't hurt, she does feel as if she could just burst into thin air, and laughing with the dwarf she loves so much, she can't help but laugh even more!
"And I love you, Oredion-elenn, always have, always will, Atta-Mori oranda elis guthil!"
Oredion smiles getting lost in the moment. He feels his head spin a bit. His mind had gone from mad, sad, to happy a little to quickly. He chuckles at himself filling the embarrassment start to feel his mind. He lays back looking at the trees overhead. The wind blows overhead shaking the trees slightly causing leaves to slowly fall around them. He feels at bliss with his surroundings. He looks back towards Etny and feels his heart beat quickly and quickly looks back up towards the trees and coughs speaking to Etny.
"Cough... So what do we do next... take this thing to the inn... go to the sea... or stay here...?"
"Elenn," she replies, an obvious smile still on her face, "I could stay here forever, as long as it's with you." She is also laying back, kiddy-corner to him, and reaches out a hand to his, gripping it and shaking it playfully. "Elenn," she says then, looking up into the starry sky, "not even the ending of this world could drive me from you. No dragon, prince or otherwise, creature, necromancer, or anything will take away my love for you, my good dwarf. I hope you will always remember that: despite what you may have done in the past, you are a good dwarf, and no god can deny it."
She turns her head and looks him in the eye with her violet ones. They are sincere and full of deepest affection.
Oredion chuckles nervously, but happily. Hes not quite sure how to respond and takes his time choosing his words.
A few blissful moments pass and he speaks.
"You know Et... I've been thinking alot about our current situation lately, but I've never asked you how you felt on the matter. I know we have both spoken with Atriox about going with him and helping restore his kingdom... it does sound like a grand adventure layed out before us... but how do you feel about all of it? Is there anything you have planned in your future?"
Oredion sets up slowly still at a half lay with his head propped up on his arm. He feels his head spin as he looks at Etny waiting for her reply.
"My future..." Etny thinks on that concept for a few moments. It has always been uncertain where she will go, and what she will do. The wanderer's life has been hers for many years now. Yet here, Atriox, the dragonborn prince of Skyhold has offered her a place on his great excursion.
"I've always been a wanderer, elenn. My future, near or otherwise, was always determined by where I went. Now, though, Atriox-Dugairon has offered and allowed me to come along with him to his home of Skyhold."
"Yes," she says, finally making up her mind, "I will go to Skyhold with the Prince, but most especially because you are there too."
She smiles at him.
Oredion chuckles nervously. He can feel what he thinks is sweat rolling down his forehead. He takes a moment to try and wipe any blood, sweat, and filth off of him with his shirt. He looks back up with a playful smile hovering onto his face.
"Well if that dosent make a dwarf happier then hitting gold, then I dont know what does. I'm looking forward to my... no our future Et. I feel a grand adventure is brewing on the horizon!"
"A grand one, indeed, elenn! I'm looking forward to this next voyage."
She goes quiet for a few moments, speaking solemnly now. "Oredion-elenn, I hope to avenge my people one day, find the Einhycacht who slaughtered and enslaved them, and bring them to justice. I hope this," she gestures generally in a roundabout way, "will lead me to them. Will you help me, elenn?"
Orations face softens and he reaches out holding her hands in his. A look of sadness passes his face as he makes his vow.
"I promise thee, I Oredion the Bronze will help you avenge your people. I solemnly swear to help you in any adventure you may quest out in this world... I promise to stay by your side."
Oredion let's go of her hands and leans back against the tree hes next to.
Etny smiles again, and having given Oredion's hands a squeeze as he swore to help her, she lays back down in the grass, her hands resting behind her head.
"Oredion-elenn, I wonder how long it will take to dress this beast out and get it back to Dragonshore..."
She stares up at the starry night sky above, letting herself get lost in the moment of being with her beloved dwarven companion.
"I dont know Et, but I could stay out here forever... if it was with you."
Oredion shifts awkwardly giving Etny a sideways glance.
"However I'm bet its about time to go back to town.. I suppose."
"Alright, elenn, let us go back. I am loath to leave this kill here, but it is what it is. I will go with you, and I think we should seek out our dragonborn prince, first."
With that, she rises, holding out and offering her hand to Oredion.
Oredion accepts her hand and stands to his feet. He chuckles at the idea of leaving the beast.
"Et we have plenty if time. Let us get what we can from this beast first. It would be a shame to just leave it."
Oredion walks over to the beast and draws his axe. He looks back to Etny with mischief in his eyes.
"What should we take from it, o great huntress."
Oredion chuckles as he nudges the beast with his axe.
Etny chuckles as well, realizing she very nearly let a kill go to waste. "Oleah! Well, you're absolutely right, Oredion-elenn, to try and take something from it. Let us take some if its exotic meats from the flanks and haunches. Also, I think we should," she continues, approaching Oredion and the beast, her poleaxe drawn, "take some of its scales, as well as a horn or two."
She gets a mischievous glint in her eye. "Maybe we could take its eyeball, too!"
She reaches into her satchel, and pulls out several vials. "These are for collecting its blood. This will make good coin to the alchemist or wizard."
She begins getting to work, slicing open the beast's hide with her poleaxe. It is quite a bloody task of dressing the creature out, and trying to find the most useful, practical, and marketable parts of it.
(19 survival to dress the behir out; at least to get SOME stuff from it, lol!)
You fill a few vials of blood, along with parts from its head and jaw. Carefully you slice the richest, most tender parts of meat--as much as you and Ore can feasibly carry. There's at least 100 lbs of meat between you.
You also make a note to stash some of the best strips for possible jerky matetial later...
Oredion and Etny traverse the road back to town, their haul with them. Excitement fills the air at the sight of their catch, and Jannae Applebrew lights up.
"Well I know what we're adding to the feast tomorrow!" She laughs, handing you each 25 gold for your efforts. "I'll get started on it right away. It'll take a day to prepare."
Etny smiles warmly and carefully packs the coins away in her bag. Although it is drearily late and you are both dirty and exhausted from the hunt, the huntress seems to glow with happiness.
As Jannae goes to put the behir meat away, Etny turns and wraps her arms around Oredion in a strong hug.
"Oredion-elenn, this was so fun! I needed a hunt like this. To just... Get away. To breathe. To return to the fields and forests. And with such a wonderful companion..."
She squeezes a little tighter and backs up, her arms on his shoulders. "Plus, we're helping the town. It feels so nice, doesn't it? I've... missed this."
A look of bittersweet reminiscence lingers on her face like a shadow. Shaking it away, she puts her forehead against his. "Thank you for taking me, elenn. You are so kind."
Oredion embarresdly shrugs.
"Its not a problem Et. To be honest, I needed a good get away as well."
Oredion backs away and scratches his head awkwardly. He looks up from the ground, back to Etny, and talks quietly. Almost to himself.
"Hmm... what to do now. Should I find Atriox? No we only talked more hours ago... Maybe I should go back and talk to the smithy...?"
He speaks louder allowing Etny to hear him properly.
"What do we do now Et?"
She looks thoughtful, struggling to stifle a yawn. "It is getting late... I'm not sure where the others are." Glancing around the tavern at the steadily growing crowd, she looks intrigued. Many people seem to be working with some kind of... Arts and crafts project on their tables while they eat and drink.
"What is this?" Etny asks almost to herself. Someone walks by with a wreath, green and twined with figs and ivy.
Oredion looks around and looks intrigued as well at the festivities. Oredion reaches out and stops the person walking bye.
"What is everyone doing mate?"
"Ya never been ta Dragonshore for a end of summer harvest festival have ya?" He chuckles, somewhat tipsy.
"We harvest, then bless the harbor for safe travels and the like. Pray to gods or asks for some blessins." He holds up his wreath. "Me ma used to make one with figs, so I keep the tradition. Ya make whatever ya want, then float em out to sea! Then we feast!" He grins wide, his cheeks rosy with drink.
"This year ya should expect a right good feast. They callin it the Festival of the Dragon Wardens... All those folks who helped stop the dead."
Etny's violet eyes light up. She glances down at Ore, a smile playing at her lips. "Oora! Why don't we make some?"
"That sounds like a grand time Et. Let us find a booth and some crafts."
Oredion walks towards the booth they have been drinking at lately in the back. He takes a seat and places his back against the wall slowly. Still aching a bit from the hunt.
Etny beams, the gears in her mind turning. She seems much more awake now. "I'm excited to try this! I'll be right back, Oredion-elenn!"
She stops at the bar to order something you can't quite make out, and she sets a few gold down. You can't help but wonder if she understands the coins yet, or if she's overpaying once more. Then she zips out the back door, and then back in up to her room.
A server brings a tray with a pair of hard apple ciders and some chilled pies. Under his arm are two bare wreaths. Etny returns right then, a basket full of things.
"I gathered what I could! Maybe there's more you can think of that we can add..."
Scooting in across from him, she takes a drink and pulls a wreath toward her. She looks eager, child-like almost. From the basket she pulls out a bunch of Gaare's feathers and dried firebloom blossoms she's saved.
Etny begins weaving them into the wreath, biting her tongue in concentration. She sticks one feather behind Ore's ear playfully. "I have more things here... Corks, twine, scales from the behir..."
(You can find almost any mundane thing in the basket, along with anything from what you've hunted with her. You also have access to your inventory. Get as creative as you want. XD)
Oredion looks at the assortment amused at Etny's excitement. He takes the wreath and bends it in the middle to shape it into an L. He reaches into the basket and pulls a few of the scales and Gaares feathers out. He then reaches into his own bag and produces bear fur and bear bone fragments. He places his own assortment onto the table for Etny to grab from as well, if she wishes to do so. He looks across the table to Etny and speaks.
"So... have you ever made one of these? I've seen them before, but have never made one. I'm not sure if I'm supposed to bend it..."
Oredion chuckles as he continues to glue random things to the wreath in a very make shift style.
"You're doing just fine, elenn." She chuckles. "Hard to do it wrong. We... had a tradition like this back home. It was one of my favorite things to do as a child."
She looks thoughtful. Taking another swig of cider, Etny plucks a knife from the platter and carefully trims a lock of her hair. She weaves it in through the other items, braiding it neatly.
"We would decorate wind chimes for the forest like this. Oooora... It filled the whoooooole valley with a tinkling sound..." Her cheeks flush a little with the alcohol, but she seems happy. "It was said to be the songs of our ancestors blessing us with safety."
Oredion looks up from the mess hes creating and smiles at Etny.
"That sounds like you had an amazing family Et... I'm sorry for your loss."
Oredion takes a swig of his drink quickly and let's out a long ahh as he fills the warmth tickle down his throat. He sets the drink down and turns his attention back to his failing wreath and speaks.
"When... when I was younger my mother would invite the orphanage children to our home to make cookies together. I was never one for the kitchen and would be found with my father in his shop on the holidays. Those where the times he would teach me his craft and as I got older we would start the day at the forge seeing what we could make by the end of the day. When we were done we would go back home and join my mother, sister, and the orphans to have a small feast. My father and I would then take turns showing what we have created. My father would always win the favor of the orphans and my sister by making some sort of toy, but my other would always choose my creations over my father's. Her eyes would glow with anticipation as I explained my creations with young eager excitement... I miss her the most whenever festivities are happening..."
Oredion coughs and let's out a small chuckle as he loses focus daydreaming of the past.
Etny's eyes soften. She stares down at her drink trying to swallow the emotion in her throat.
After a long moment, she slides her cider to the side and puts her hand on Ore's. Her cheeks are still rosy from drink, but she is focused. She squeezes it kindly, steading her gaze at him.
"Harra, elenn... I appreciate you sharing... I know it is hard. Your sister sounds so precious... I too, am so sorry for your loss. I know it hurts you in an indescribable way."
Her eyes shimmer with emotion. "Ora... Please, know you are not alone. You carry with you the spirit, the life, of all your ata-alann... your tribe. Your family."
Etny looks down, her voice softer. "They're alive when you speak of them. I... feel them. I see you, a little Antrahtu, doing the things you say. I picture your family. It warms my heart. I treasure the memories you share. I feel honored... humbled even, to hear them."
The huntress squeezes your fingers tightly in hers. "May I have the honor of making sure the deepest of valleys and tallest mountain peaks ring with the names of your people forever."
She bites her lip. "Let us make these wreaths for our families. The ocean shall carry our love for them to the corners of Alverathion."
Oredions wipes his eyes quickly trying to stop the tears forming at his eyes. Hes not sure if it's the drinks or hes tired, but he dosen't feel sadness in this moment. He feels joy flow threw his mind at all of the good memories of his family that he has been feeling fade away. He coughs and trys to talk in a deep voice to hide his emotion.
"I think that's a grand idea Et. Let us th toast to our family of the past, present, and future. Let us never forget those who are lost and remember to cherish the friends and family we have now."
Oredions face is the picture of happiness as he gives Etny a wink as he raises his mug in toast.
Etny, finally able to swallow down her emotion with a choke and a laugh, raises her glass and clinks it against yours.
"Forever, Oredion-elenn. Always."
With a grin she knocks back a big swig of alcohol and places her bottle on the table.
"Oleah! What a kick!" She lets out a long, happy sigh, watching Joey poke out of your jacket. "Your smile is infectious, Ore. Come, let us make the grandest wreaths! If you are nervous, perhaps we can combine them?"
Oredion smiles at Etny as he picks up Joey placing him on the table near a small plate of fruits.
"Are... are you sure you want to combine your wreath with my... my complicated one?"
Oredion picks up a small goblet of wine and starts to sip it slowly savoring the flavor as he feels the heat grow in his cheeks.
"Ora?" She almost pleadingly looks at you, asking permission to. "Please? Yours looks... Strong. I think it would keep mine from sinking too quickly in the sea."
Etny kindly admires the bone and scales, running her fingertips over the bear fur. "It is not complicated to me. It sings of the hunt. Of family."
Oredion smiles at the thought of his weighted down wreath floating. He let's out a small chuckle as he slides his wreath across the table.
"Well... if you insist Et. Dont be upset when mine brings both of ours down."
Oredion chuckles as he lets Joey. Joey's switches to many shades settling on a pink hue. Oredion looks down at him curiously as he sees the little salamander hiccup. He realizes he must have spilt some of his drink. He chuckles as he addresses Joey.
"Ah you little scoudral getting more drunk then me! You know you mustn't drink."
Oredion takes a swig of his own drink and feels the warmth of his cheeks. He looks back up to Etny amusedly.
"Show how shall we join our fam.. our wreaths Et?"
Etny snickers at the sweet little salamander. "Well let us see..." She rifles through the things you've procured, along with her own basket of items. "I suppose some strips of yew branches could be used like cord to secure it..."
She pulls out some hardy-looking sticks from her supplies and, withdrawing a small knife, begins to shave off long, delicate slices.
"I found some of these outside. They were--hic!--due for the firewood pile. Unseasoned. Which is better. Makes it more pliable."
Threading a few strands she carefully nestles the two wreaths together. There is a fine center of balance between them now. Meticulously she weaves the strands like twine, lashing everything together in a somewhat celtic sort of knotting pattern. It's rather ornate, something she's practiced quite a lot.
She hums softly as she returns to trimming more yew. "What else would you like to add to our masterpiece? It looks nearly--OW!"
In her slightly inebriated state, the knife slips and cuts the hand holding the branch. Etny can't help but laugh a little, wincing in pain as she puts her mouth on the cut. "Oops! Clumsy me..."
Oredion winces as he watches Etny accidentally cut herself. He reaches across the table taking her hand in his. He reaches into his bag with his free hand and rummages for pieces of cloth to use as bandaging. He pulls out a small piece of his cloak that got torn of during the battle and tries his best to carefully wrap it around her hand. After hes done and atleast satisfied it's not going to slip off, he gives her hand a small kiss and leans back in the booth releasing her hand in the process. He worriedly looks at her.
" I hope that'll help a but lass. I guess ima have to watch you around knives when were drinking now..."
Oredion let's out a small worried chuckle.
She looks embarrassed but thankful. Cradling her hand, she brushes the fabric and where you kissed it. "Much appreciated, Oredion-elenn. I should probably call it for tonight." With a small laugh she tucks the knife away in her bag. "No more sharp objects! I don't want to make you worry."
Leaning back and taking a piece of pie, she admires the combined wreaths. "Do you think they look alright? You were always quite the craft person, from the sound of your stories." Etny's eyes twinkle.
"I think your side looks amazing, but my side... well it has... hmm character?"
Oredion let's out a harty laugh and looks back down at the wreath.
"Well I am at some things... those things are mainly weapons and armor however... Its fine, yours can simply make up for mines... ruggedness."
"I love its character! And ruggedness..." She laughs more, her face lighting up with happiness. She is both fuzzy with drink and delight.
After a moment of considering something, Etny adds, "Perhaps someday I can commission you to make me some new gear. Would that be alright? I'll pay whatever you'd like, although it would be priceless to me."
She tilts her head hopefully. "Maybe I can make you something special! Ooooh wait, yes! I wanted to... wait I cannot say. Nevermind, ignore me. " Her brow now furrows, the cider doing its work. You're not sure what she was playing at, but the mysterious pout on her face makes you think she is hiding some surprise.
"I could probably do that Et. I would charge no fee in trade for a drink and of course the materials you want them made out of."
Oredion sips his drink pondering on Etnys words. He looks up to see her brow furrow and he cant help but laugh at the pouty look on her face.
"Come now Et. Let me in on your surprise before you make me a sad dwarf."
Oredion pretends to look sad and wipe away fake tears, but he cant help to let a smile slip threw his hands.
Etny, taking another sip of cider, sputters a little in concern. "N-no, no sad Antrahtus allowed here!" Her eyes go wide, watching him. Debating if she should tell him to spare his feelings. "I know you like jerky, Oredion-elenn." She trails off a little, fiddling with the bottle in her hands. She blushes.
"I wanted to take some of the best strips from the behir we took down and... go and... make it into jerky for you... take it to that stall in the market you like so much." Etny's eyes widen, trying to gauge if you are happy with the idea.
Oredion sets back in his seat like a child and avoids eye contact with Etny. He takes a swig of his beer and sets it on the table gently. He starts to speak, addressing Etny without turning his head.
"Et.. that may be one of the most brilliant ideas I've ever heard spoken... you win... I'm done, you win."
Oredion turns to her his eyes wide. He trys not to smile, but he quickly gives in. He cant hide the joy he feels at the mention of Jerky. He starts to laugh a little much, feeling his drink take full affect. As hes laughing he feels his side ache, a mix of laughing to hard and the left over pain of the hunt. He looks to Etny and laughs as he speaks.
"You know? It's kinda poetic. That damned thing tried to eat me, but how the tables have turned. I get to eat it in the most delicious of ways. Et... you really know how to make a dwarf happy."
Atriox thinks it over in his head and finally nods
"Please pardon my rudeness Captain but you can't blame somebody for being a little over cautious. Very well then we have a deal. Find me two more ships within the week. About half way through the week I'll find you again to make everything final and set exact plans for our voyage. I trust you'll be at the festival tomorrow night then ?"
She beams with delight. "Shiza! I think I wanna do that with all our hunts now! Just for you..." Etny sheepishly fiddles with the wreath.
"At least, ya know, the ones that are eatable. Eatable? Edible? Appetizing..." She looks a bit confused as she tries to think of the right word through the growing mist of drunkenness.
"I want to do all of that. If I could I would hunt with you every day. And make you jerky, and, and spend evenings like this together. It's fantastic. Ata-Morri has blessed me so greatly..."
She slowly sinks down, leaning her tired head on her arms. Despite her exhaustion she looks just as happy as you. It's almost hard to hear her but she mumbles out in her sleepiness, "It's... nice having... Alann again..."
Joey skitters around the table, wobbling drunkenly every now and then. He weaves through the wreath and pops up under the piles of fur, looking like a tiny, fuzzy, scaly dog. He hiccups and burps out a jet of flame.
Enhanced by the alcohol in him it shoots a good few feet, like a small firework exploding in a tiny ball of sparks. The room goes silent........ then roars in laughter and cheers. The other patrons return to their designs and stories.
Etny startles awake at the fire, the brightness and heat making spots appear in front of her eyes. "Shiza! Little guy has some kick!"
She shakes her head, brow furrowing slightly. "What was I saying...? Oh," her expression brightens. "Yes, the jerky! Perhaps I can watch them and see how it is done... I am excited to learn."
The huntress quickly stands as if she is single-minded in her endeavor, meaning to go to them at this late hour of the night. Unsteady as a new born foal, she teeters and sits back against the table again. Pouty at her inability to go, Etny sinks down on the bench next to Ore.
She looks at the dwarf with an intense seriousness. As if this project of hers is of dire importance.
"Please elenn, you -must- take me back to the jerky store tomorrow!"
Oredion laughs at both of his companions antics as he stays leaning back in his seat. He looks to Etny now sitting beside him with amusement.
"Yea, yea we will go tomorrow Et. You know? One day your gonna need to learn to hold your liquor. Now are we done with our... mighty wreath?"
Oredion giggles drunkenly as he nudges Etny playfully.
She snorts indignantly. "I think I hold it pretty well!" With a look of jokingly wounded pride, she sinks against him and rests her head on his shoulder. "....I'm doing just-- *hic* --fine."
Oredion starts to pat her head as he speaks in a joking whisper.
"Sure yeah are huntress. I know no one who could hold their liquor better then you."
Oredion trys to keep a straight serious face, but a chuckle slips out. He wraps his arms around Etny giving her a warm hug.
A smile grows across Etny's face. "I can think of one person, Antrahtu...." She sleepily snuggles against Oredion.
"He is handsome... And brave... And as stubborn as a southern Ubaran wind."
The huntress rests her forehead against the side of his. "And oh do I love him so."
Oredion smiles shyly and tries to play it off with a joke.
"I know. The blacksmith is a cool guy I guess."
Oredion chuckles as he hugs her even tighter. He can feel his chest beat faster. He lifts her head gently with his thumn and pointer finger as he looks deep into her beautiful eyes. He feels lost within them for a moment. He feels his heart race as he begins to speak.
"As for this dwarf. I only love one fiery women and that would be you Et."
He looks into her eyes for a moment, then he leans forward giving her a long gentle kiss that sets fireworks off inside his head. After a moment he leans back feeling the heat form in his cheeks. He quickly looks away towards the wreaths and slowly speaks.
"Sorry about that Et... you were simply to cute to ignore."
At the blacksmith comment Etny looked aghast. The joke was lost on her for a moment. Her naiveté made her think Ore didn't understand her. Was she that unclear? Perhaps she really didn't know how to joke with others? Maybe he didn't feel quite that way? How could he think she loved anyone but--
...Oh.
When they part she doesn't even register his bashfulness. She's too lost in the lingering sparks of their kiss. The experience continues to play on repeat in her head, a moving, beautiful overture.
Blinking to clear her head, she sees he is shyly looking away. Etny can't find the words to respond yet. So instead, she reaches over and tenderly turns Oredion's face back to hers. Her violet eyes look alight with pure joy. Then she adoringly places her lips on his again.
Oredions eyes close as he enjoys thier kiss. He can feel his heart beat faster and his head swirl as hes lost in the moment. He finally opens his eyes parting lips with Etny. He tries to think of something to say, but nothing comes out. He sits there staring into her eyes, his soul full of love, admiration, and bliss.
Etny nudges her forehead against Oredion's with playful serenity. It is as if the rest of the world has simply fallen away. The tavern, the coast, the terrors out in the wild. Oh, how she wishes it would carry on forever and ever. Finally she speaks.
"Ava nala de, Oredion-elenn... I would go to the ends of the world with you."
"As would I Et, as would I."
Oredion smiles as he reaches for the wreath his other hand still wrapped around Etny. He reaches the wreath and pulls it across the table into better view.
"So do you think we have this bad boy finished... I think it represents both of our family's very well. All it needs is some candles and itll be good to go."
Oredion leans forwards a bit still looking the wreath over. His side is... rough to say the least. While Etnys is a mix of beauty and the wilderness. It represents both of thier lives, family, relationship perfectly. He thinks the last thing to do is see if it floats.
"I think it's perfect." Etny cuddles against him. "Thank you for creating it with me. It was nostalgic as much as it was new and exciting." She looks at it, admiring the contrast between their styles; the unique touches they each put into it to make it theirs. It was almost a shame to let it float out to sea, but she was just as eager to do so.
"Unless you have some, we can pick up some candles tomorrow at the festival..." She yawns, mumbling into Oredion's beard. She snickers drunkenly, "Joey can light them."
"Ah and that he shall. Won't yeah you little wipper snapper."
Oredion looks down to Joey asleep on the table letting out drunken hiccups in his sleep. His eyes turn to Etny falling asleep in his arms.
"And I think it's about time to get you to bed Et. I dont think falling asleep down here would be very good."
Oredion chuckles as he starts to move.
Etny has a goofy grin on her face. "Okaaaaay... If you say soooo..." She tries to keep her balance, inching off of the bench. "A bed does sound much better."
She manages to make her way up the stairs with him, Joey cupped in her hands. She snickers every so often peeking at the drunken salamander.
Oredion leads Etny to her room. He opens the door and helps Etny to her bed and covers her with the blankets. He goes to pick up Joey, but decides it best to leave the sleeping salamander alone and content. He turns to make his way out the door while speaking over his shoulder.
"Good night Et. I'll leave Joey in your care for the night. Both of you sleep well."
Etny pouts a little, like she's fighting between sleep and the desire to continue spending time with her favorite dwarf. "Harraaaa... Good niiiiight... I shall miss you, elenn..."
Joey lets out a little snort of smoke, still deep in sleep. He's curled up on a blanket, like a tiny dragon on a soft, giant nest of treasure.
"As will I Et. Farewell."
Oredion exits the room closing the door behind him. He then heads to his own room and goes directly to his bed. He feels his shoulders grow heavy as he sits down. The waves of emotion crash over him as he lays back. Bliss and dread our the two he feels the strongest, but he ignores both as he closes his eyes and dreams of his home.
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